When are workers at risk of infection?
Ticks are usually more active in the months of April through October and peak in the summer months of June through August. The time of year when ticks are active may vary with the geographic region and climate. Outdoor workers should be extra careful to protect themselves in the late spring and summer when immature ticks are most active.
What are the symptoms of infection with a tick-borne disease?
There are many symptoms associated with tick-borne diseases. Infected workers may not have all of these symptoms and many of these symptoms can occur with other diseases as well. Some common symptoms of infection with tick-borne diseases include:
- Body/muscle aches
- Fever
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Rash
- Stiff neck
- Facial paralysis
What is the diagnosis and treatment for tick-borne diseases?
Tick-borne diseases are diagnosed based on symptoms and the possibility that the worker has been exposed to infected ticks.
Most cases can be successfully treated with specific types of antibiotics, especially if treatment is started early. However, some workers may have symptoms such as arthritis, muscle and joint pain, or fatigue for an extended period of time.
The following is an excerpt taken from the article “Tick-Borne Diseases.” For more information please visit www.cdc.gov. |